Central Railway has completed the extension of platforms 12 and 13 at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). With an additional 305 meters, both platforms now span a total length of 690 meters, enabling them to accommodate 24-coach trains.
Dharam Veer Meena, General Manager of Central Railway, inspected the recently completed Non-Interlocking (NI) works and platform extensions, highlighting the project's significance in enhancing railway infrastructure and passenger experience.
An official stated, "The critical NI works were executed through special blocks from midnight of February 28/March 1, 2025, to March 2/3, 2025. The commissioning of the modified Siemens-made Electronic Interlocking system was completed in a record time of just 10 hours—from 11:15 PM on March 1 to 9:15 AM on March 2." Yard remodeling was undertaken during this period.
The platform extension project also included the addition of a washing apron to improve train maintenance and longevity. To enhance operational efficiency, two turnouts were dismantled, and one new turnout was inserted. Additionally, three signals were shifted, two shunting signals were converted to main signals, and one new shunting signal was added. These modifications increased the number of train routes from 278 to 285, enhancing train movement flexibility. Dual detection track circuits were introduced to improve safety and reliability.
"The longer platforms will help railways to add more coaches to passenger trains, which will also create additional carrying capacity," said a senior railway official.Earlier, these two platforms were able to handle only up to 15- to 17 -coach trains. Currently, CSMT has 18 platforms. Out of these, seven platforms are reserved for suburban train operations, and the rest (platforms 8-18) are being used for long-distance train operations (Express trains).
